Innovation and Consultancy Manager (Maternity Cover) Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Location: Kew, Greater London; Richmond, Greater London Salary: £46,556-50,219 per year Contract: Fixed Term Hours: Full-time Contract start date: 1 July 2026 Contract end date: 12 months from start date Closing Date: 19/04/2026 Directorate: Science Documents: (PDF, 279.26kb); (PDF, 231.57kb)

In the UK and globally, the value of biodiversity is increasingly important in human lives and livelihoods. RBG Kew's scientific mission as a world‑leading biodiversity institute is to stop biodiversity loss, develop nature‑based solutions to societal challenges and evaluate the quality and provenance of plant and fungal materials entering the trade as outlined in its Science Strategy and Manifesto for Change. We undertake research on different aspects of plant and fungal science and are developing a number of pathways to evaluate and develop the commercial potential of Kew's research. This includes commercial consultancy, knowledge asset development and the development of spin‑outs and joint ventures. The latter activity is delivered through our close partnership with Greensphere Capital, a unique investment firm with a focus on nature‑based solutions. Their Gaia Sciences Innovation Fund (GSI) is focused specifically on incubating, supporting and growing new companies in this sphere. In 2025 we launched our first JV, Kew REACH, and continue to actively scope other areas that could be the foundation for new spin‑outs. Innovation and Consultancy Manager has three main responsibilities:

(1) Coordination of projects that involve RBG Kew staff undertaken by Kew REACH. Kew REACH's mission is to be the world's pre‑eminent, science‑led, high‑trust, habitat consulting firm, powered by RBG Kew's unparalleled scientific reputation, integrity and expertise. RBG Kew and Kew REACH work closely together to achieve this mission. The post holder is pivotal in the delivery of this ambition. (2) Identification and development of novel ideas for spin‑outs in collaboration with the broader Innovation team, while actively managing the relationship with Greensphere Capital and ensuring continual alignment of expectations by both partners and evaluating opportunities. This includes working closely with the Head of Department who holds overall responsibility for the Greensphere partnership. (3) Management of Kew's growing and expanding commercial consultancy offering – overall coordination and management of all opportunities across Kew.

Innovation and Consultancy Manager works closely with several teams across Kew including Finance and Legal. There is a great opportunity to learn about the breadth of scientific and horticultural work across Kew. This is an excellent opportunity to develop skills in innovation and spin‑out management and the overall delivery of Kew's ambitions in providing real‑world solutions as outlined in the Manifest for Change. More details We seek an individual qualified to PhD level, or with PhD‑equivalent experience (ideally, in plant and fungal science, but not essential) with a keen interest in innovation and knowledge exchange from the academic sector into the real world. We require someone who can communicate effectively to a wide range of internal and external audiences, with experience in coordination of client‑oriented projects. Project management experience would be beneficial. This post is ideally suited for anyone interested in pursuing a career in technology transfer and broader innovation management. This hybrid role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well‑being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history. Join us on our journey as protectors of the world's plants and fungi. The salary will be £46,556 – £50,219 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band E]. Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work‑life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle‑to‑work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst. If you are interested in this position, please select "Apply Now" and follow the necessary steps. If you have any questions about the role, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interviewing disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. #J-18808-Ljbffr